Autodesk CAM (updated)

Autodesk CAM

CAM Software for CNC Machining

Choose from a range of Autodesk solutions for programming CNC mills, lathes, multitasking centers, sheet-material cutters, and wire EDM machines.

At SolidCAD, we provide best-in-class services and expert knowledge for Autodesk CAM solutions. We are happy to announce that SolidCAD is specialized in “Autodesk Advanced Manufacturing.”

Products

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Expert Surface and Multi-Axis Milling Solution

PowerMill excels in the machining of complex 5 axis parts, offering the finest level of control. PowerMill offers a very wide selection of machining strategies, and powerful simulation, and verification tools. PowerMill is also the right tool for additive machining and subtractive/additive hybrid machines.

PowerMill Features

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High Efficiency Roughing Strategies
  • High speed technology avoids sharp directional changes and allows high material removal rates.
  • Exceptional calculation times.
  • Use stock models to identify remaining material.
  • Re-machining control that detects un-machined stock with minimal air cutting.
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Safe Toolpaths
  • No need to select surfaces to include in toolpath generation. PowerMill automatically scans the entire model during calculation.
  • Automatic gouge free toolpaths.
  • Variety of shank and collision checking tools available for every situation.
  • Utilize PowerMill Modelling to fix poorly trimmed models or to create surfaces to aid in toolpath control.
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Toolpath Editing

No need for toolpath regeneration when changing items like:

  • Speeds & Feeds
  • Leads & Links
  • Connection Moves
  • Entry and exit points
  • Flexible optimization tools for control:
  • Toolpath trimming
  • Re-ordering of cutting segments
  • Deletion of unwanted segment
  • Point control

 

Toolpath Verification
  • Simulate toolpath in wireframe or 3D mode to visually inspect toolpaths before posting code.
  • Use the virtual machine tool to detect any costly collisions or machine limits.
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Comprehensive Finishing Strategies
  • Huge library of strategies for any situation.
  • Strategic toolpath options for:
    • Rib machining (Mold & Die)
    • Port machining (Automotive)
    • Blisk & Blade (Aerospace)
    • Probing (Inspection)
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Ultimate Multi-Axis Control
  • All strategies can be converted to 3+1, 3+2, or simultaneous milling.
  • Incorporate axis limits to reduce movement on the machine.
  • Axis smoothing options allow for higher quality finishes.
  • Take advantage of the Dynamic Machine Control to edit tool axis on the fly without recalculating the toolpath.
  • Make localized edits to tool axis motion.
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Industry Machining Solutions
  • Utilize industrial robots for redundant cutting operations and repairs.
  • Additive toolpath technology for hybrid machine tools and robots.
  • Utilize PowerShape’s EDM solution within the PowerMill environment to automatically calculate electrodes.
Automate your Process
  • Save toolpath strategies and reuse them for future projects.
  • Record and edit user defined macro’s.
  • Create high end API’s to communicate directly with the PowerMill interface.
Everday CAD Support
  • Imports all mainsteam CAD file types.
  • Machine directly off mesh files.
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Automate your CNC Programming

FeatureCAM’s built-in intelligence and automation reduces your programming time and increases programming consistency by making decisions for you.

FeatureCAM Features

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Feature Recognition
  • Scan your models to automatically detect features and apply operations to them.
  • Generate NC code quickly.
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Control your Programming
  • Controle your process by teaching the software how you want to machine your parts.
  • Standardize your machining configurations.
  • Save redundant features that appear on part families into a library.
  • Use FeatureCAM’s surfacing and solid modelling controls.
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Simulation and Safety 
  • Run a variety of different types of simulation to gauge where potential issues may arise, including:
    • Centerline simulation
    • 3D simulation
    • Machine simulation
  • Detect collisions to holders and machine components.
  • Use collision avoidance to trim, tilt, and avoid regions of your part.
  • Set models as clamps or fixtures to avoid collisions or costly mistakes.
  • Review simulation results and edit the output to maximize efficiency.
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Large Selection of Machine Support

FeatureCAM allows you to control your whole shop since it supports:

  • Milling
    • 3 Axis
    • 4 Axis (positional and simultaneous)
    • 5 Axis (positional and simultaneous)
  • Turning
  • Turn/Mill
  • Swiss
  • Wire EDM
AnyCAD Support
  • Import all mainstream CAD file types.
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Integrated CAD, CAM, CAE and PCB software

Fusion 360 unifies design, engineering, electronics, and manufacturing into a single software platform.

Fusion 360 Features

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Be more productive, faster

Experienced Inventor and SolidWorks users will feel right at home working with Fusion 360 and will be able to create high-quality toolpaths within minutes.

Leverage the power of parametric 3D CAD

Leverage the power of parametric 3D CAD to improve the performance of your Methods and Industrialization Department and to streamline company-wide business processes. Designed from the ground up to work inside Inventor and SolidWorks parametric 3D CAD.

With Autodesk Fusion 360:

  • No switching back and forth between design and CAM through a neutral file format
  • Program directly on the solid model using your parametric 3D CAD interface
  • Parametrically model every detail of your machining setups for greater control and precision
  • Insert your part into templates of your common machining setups
  • Maintain associativity between product engineering and manufacturing processes
  • AnyCAD technology allows you to open virtually any non-native CAD, all-the-while retaining associativity to the original model
  • Design fixtures and custom work-holding solutions around your part with powerful drawing tools
  • Make the Methods department more self-sufficient with the powerful measurement and 2D drafting tools of 3D parametric CAD
  • Communicate dimensions, tolerancing, and instructions with model-based definition
Reduce IT Overhead

A common CAD/CAM platform makes it easier to manage your software resources. With Autodesk Fusion 360, CAM data is saved within CAD part or assembly files, thereby streamlining data management.

Work with the best tools in the business!

  • Proven post-processors; Output high-quality G-code using proven post-processors developed in partnership with machine tool builders.
  • Advanced rotary controls; Control how the rotary axes behave on your machine to avoid unexpected or hazardous movements.
  • Change CNC machine; Safely run proven programs on alternate machines, even those with different kinematics or controllers.
  • Editable post-processors; Make changes to post-processor files to adjust your G-code output and run your CNC machines the way you need.
  • G-code comparison; Compare edited G-code files against your original machining NC projects to identify costly mistakes early.
  • Stock comparison; Compare the intended CAD model against virtual stock to spot differences and avoid costly mistakes.

Friendly, streamlined and highly visual – the CAM interface is a clean-sheet design.

  • Easier to learn than any other CAM
  • Graphical view of operation depth settings
  • Automatic detection of feature depths/heights from the solid model
  • Automatic detection of similar features
  • Regroup features of differing depths in a single operation
  • 3+1 or 3+2 axis indexing as easy as picking hole axis or feature floor
  • Intuitive programming of simultaneous 5-axis toolpaths
  • Several ways to reduce repetitive tasks and to capture best practices
  • Powerful stock removal simulation and collision detection
  • Automatic HTML-based set-up sheets
  • G-code review with the licenced CIMCO Edit code editor
  • User-editable post-processors written in ubiquitous JavaScript

Fusion 360 is quite simply the best value in CAM today!

With Fusion 360, this out-of-box solutions will require no optional modules.

Included support for most types and configurations of CNC machines:

  • 3, 4, and 5-axis vertical or horizontal milling centers
  • 2-axis horizontal or vertical lathes, single or dual spindle and turret
  • 3-axis+ live-tooling turning centers / mill-turn machines
  • Routers, laser cutters, plasma cutters, waterjet cutters

Included tool path technologies:

  • 2.5D milling toolpaths
  • 3D milling toolpaths
  • 2.5D intelligent roughing
  • 3D intelligent roughing
  • Rest machining
  • Contour tabs
  • 3+1/3+2 axis pre-positioning
  • Simultaneous 5-axis milling
  • Probing
  • Nesting for sheet material

Click here to learn how to unlock advanced capabilities with Fusion 360 extensions.

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NC-code post-processing and G-code simulation software

 CAMplete software provides G-code post-processing, verification, and simulation for different kinds of CNC machinery.

CAMplete Features

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Post-process, simulate, and optimize CNC machining code

CAMplete software helps you simulate your CAM process and identify common machine-related problems. Choose TruePath for multi-axis CNC milling machines or TurnMill for Nakamura-Tome multi-tasking machines.

With CAMplete

  • Works with CAM software; import data file from different CAM software product before simulating, verifying and exporting safe G-code.
  • Reliable G-ode verification; CAMplete uses models supplied by the machine manufacturer, resulting in highly accurate verification.
  • Detect collisions and overtravel; Quickly identify potential crashes, near-misses, overtravel, and setup errors to help avoid downtime and costly repairs.
  • Analyze machine motion; Check the motion of individual linear and rotary machine axes to highlight problems that could affect part quality.
  • Optimize G-code files; Modify key machine parameters for each G-code file before export to make better use of your CNC hardware.
  • Visualize machine interpolation; Validate the full CNC machining process, including cutting motion, connection moves, and tool changes.

Work with the best tools in the business!

  • Proven post-processors; Output high-quality G-code using proven post-processors developed in partnership with machine tool builders.
  • Advanced rotary controls; Control how the rotary axes behave on your machine to avoid unexpected or hazardous movements.
  • Change CNC machine; Safely run proven programs on alternate machines, even those with different kinematics or controllers.
  • Editable post-processors; Make changes to post-processor files to adjust your G-code output and run your CNC machines the way you need.
  • G-code comparison; Compare edited G-code files against your original machining NC projects to identify costly mistakes early.
  • Stock comparison; Compare the intended CAD model against virtual stock to spot differences and avoid costly mistakes.

CAMplete TurnMill for Nakamura-Tome multi-tasking machines

  • Multi-tasking machine; Simulation, verification, and post-processing specifically developed for Nakamura-Tome machines.
  • Machine synchronization; Synchronize the motion of turrets, main and sub-spindles, live tooling, and part transfers on multi-tasking machines.
  • Time-based optimization; Analyze multi-tasking operations and subroutines to improve efficiency and reduce overall machining cycle times.
  • Flexible process development; Modify entire operations and reassign tooling to different machining positions to shorten development times.

Technical Resources

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Related to CNC machine tools, “post processors”, “option files”, or “posts” create the additive or subtractive NC code required for manufacturing operations. Effectively, they convert generic CAM projects into specific manufacturing code for your machine.

Generic Fusion 360 Post-Processors are available for a variety of controllers and machine types including additive/subtractive milling, turning, sheet material and more. These posts are compatible with Fusion 360, Inventor CAM, and HSMWorks for SolidWorks. With the Post-Processor Training Guide and some knowledge of JavaScript, the user can adapt generic post-processors.

However, in many cases SolidCAD is contracted to develop posts for specific machines and needs. Highly specialized products like PowerMill and FeatureCAM often require optimization for multi-axis milling, probing/inspection, and multi-turret operations. If you are looking for support on a new or existing post, please reach out to our specialized team at ams.support@solidcad.ca or consult our Post-Processor Service page for more information.

Be sure to check out our Autodesk Platinum Partner Reviews for added confidence in our award-winning team.

HSM is very likely the easiest CAM to learn. Autodesk also helps in this regard by publishing hundreds of short instructional videos on its HSM CAM YouTube Channel.

For those wishing to become maximally-efficient with Inventor HSM CAM in the least amount of time, SolidCAD offers HSM CAM training in the form of a formal 3-day class (see curriculum), or in the form of individualized coaching, online or on-site anywhere in Canada. Please contact Sales for more information, and a member of our HSM Team will reach out to discuss your needs.

Regarding the development and implementation of CAM programming automation, many companies contract professional services. This is a flagship specialty of SolidCAD’s advanced manufacturing team. We welcome your request for consultation to:

  • Provide a customized and comprehensive solution
  • Automate 90-100% of complex CAM programming
  • Reduce the programming pressure on key personnel
  • Help overcome skilled-person shortages
  • Optimize toolpath efficiency, quality, and safety
  • Get ahead in programming, scheduling, and machine utilization
  • Increase user engagement by front-loading skilled decision making
  • Standardize programming for consistent outcomes

Please see MAKE Productivity for PowerMill to learn more.

Contact

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